Race History

In depth

Verdict

Zarkandar won this last year but was receiving weight from his two market rivals. The boot is on the other foot this year, though he did beat THE NEW ONE over 2m4f in the Aintree Hurdle in April and ran well at the weights when second to Annie Power on his reappearance. Nigel Twiston-Davies believes his charge has grown and improved over the summer, however, and he certainly have that impression when readily bounding clear of former champion Rock On Ruby at Kempton in October - he can win again. French raider Albert Hall has been on a remarkable run, winning three times over hurdles and twice on the Flat since the beginning of August. But he was pulled up in a handicap on his only previous start in the UK. Fellow Gallic challenger Seabreeze D'ho also appears to have it all to do while Court Minstrel has been well below par so far this term, though has a much higher rating than both Hawkhill and Jumps Road.

Formwatch

The New One (IRE) 1-2fav (11-8) Tracked leading pair, went 2nd before 4 out, quickened to lead 2 out, soon clear, easily, won at Kempton 2m Listed hdl (1) gs in Oct beating Rock On Ruby (11-8) by 10l, 4 ran.